Study Results Reveal The Reason Behind The Addiction Caused By Anti-Anxiety Medicines

A study undertaken by the researchers from United States and Switzerland makes it strikingly apparent that xanax, valium and other medicines belonging to the benzodiazepine group of drugs function by facilitating the operational process of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in a manner that is completely similar to the working mechanism of cannabinoids and opioids which are known as addictive substances. This explains the cause of anti-anxiety drug addiction, the researchers further reveal that this action by xanax and other similar anti-anxiety drugs lead to the activation of the growth hormone dopamine and as a consequence, a soothing feeling or pleasurable sensation is developed inside the brain.

The scientists who completed the study state that the specific results obtained from the experiment might provide a helping hand in searching for anti-anxiety medicines that are non-addictive in nature. They expressed in the journal Nature that the conclusions derived from the study are likely to help in the development of non-addictive benzodiazepines of the next generation.

The outcome of the study also highlights that benzodiazepines function by holding on to a specific part of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is named as the alpha1 sub-unit of the GABA type A receptor by researchers who initiated the study. However, according to the researchers, definite results obtained from the study make it apparent that if alike benzodiazepines are manufactured that combine with another part of GABA, they are likely to provide similar medicinal advantages without the side-effects of drug addiction.

Source: http://www.reuters.com/